Laura A. Lees, Psy.D., CEDS

Lees Psychological Services

***THE EATING DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP IS ON A TEMPORARY HIATUS.  PLEASE CHECK BACK TO FIND OUT WHEN THE GROUP WILL RESUME MEETING.*** 

General Information

Our Eating Disorder Support Group (EDSG) is held on Saturday mornings from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Lees Psychological Services, 601 North 99th Street, Suite 307, Wauwatosa (across from the zoo off of 99th and Bluemound). 

The EDSG is a free, confidential group open to males and females of all ages who have eating disorders, as well as parents, spouses, family and concerned others who want to support the recovery of a loved one with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder.  The group is open to the community whether you are treated at Lees Psychological Services or not.  There is no registration necessary.

The philosophy of the EDSG is that people can and do fully recover from eating disorders.   We support a biopsychosocial perspective of recovery, which means that the medical, emotional, family, spiritual and social (school, work, friends, hobbies, sports, etc.) aspects of a person’s life are all taken into consideration within the recovery process.

The overall goal of the EDSG is to help members develop a support system through their interactions with others in the group.  Talking and sharing with others in the same situation can provide hope and healing.  Although the group is run by a trained facilitator, its purpose is to enhance therapy and/or current support networks, not serve as therapy or as a substitution for professional treatment.

Advantages of Attending the EDSG at Lees Psychological Services:

1. Receive factual information and education on the causes and consequences of  eating disorders;
2. Get peer support from those also working on recovery;
3. Experience relief and comfort knowing there are others with eating disorders that understand what you are going through;
4. Receive information on professional help -- when to seek it, how to choose a  therapist, getting nutritional counseling, when medication may be needed, etc.
5. Having the chance to practice talking about your thoughts and feelings and to give feedback to others in the group; and
6. Learn the best ways to support a person’s recovery and the things that are best not  to do when you want to help.

Benefits of Attending Our Eating Disorder Support Group

Any type of group has its own “personality.”  Members may find that they are more comfortable with some groups than with others based on the facilitator, location, other group members, etc.  The following are ways you can get the most out of the groups you attend;

1. Attend regularly.  Plan to attend at least six times before deciding whether or not  the group is for you.  It can take several months to feel comfortable, so don’t  expect immediate relief.
    
2. You will not be forced to talk at a support group, but if you don’t share anything,  others can’t help or support you.  Our support group is a safe place to take risks  and disclose information about yourself and what you’re going through.  Make an  effort each time you attend to say something about yourself and to provide  feedback or a comment to someone else.
    
3. Although it isn’t a therapy group, confidentiality is expected to protect everyone’s  privacy.  This means that you don’t talk about other members or their problems  outside of the group when they are not present.  Just as you don’t want others  talking about you, please respect their privacy in the same way.
    
4. The group is open to people with all types of eating disorders -- anorexia, bulimia,  binge eating disorder and combinations of all three.  It is important to remember  that no type of eating disorder is better or worse than any other.  All eating  disorders cause significant emotional pain.  People with eating disorders  experience very similar feelings, concerns, struggles and confusion.  The  difference between the eating disorders is mainly what behaviors are used to cope  with that pain.
    
5. Support groups can help people cope with their problems, but it’s important to  share the successes, too!  Tell the group what you have learned, how they have  helped, or what you are doing that is helping you get better.  Good news is always  welcome!
    
6. If you need information or help with something, ask the group for time.  The  facilitator can then make sure to manage the time so you get the chance to talk or  ask questions.  If you’re struggling with something, it’s likely that others will be  able to relate to it, too.
    
7. Get to know people who attend regularly.  Make connections with those who are committed to recovery so you can support each other outside of the group, too.  If relationships develop that are not in support of recovery, the facilitator will point  this out.
    
8. If the group helps you, it will help others, too.  If you know someone who would  benefit from attending, bring them along with you.

For more information about the Eating Disorders Support Group at Lees Psychological Services, please contact Dr. Laura Lees at 414-774-6878.